Strengthening Cross-Border Ties: A Participatory Vision for EuroGuadiana Tourism

Thomas Panagopoulos (), Pooyan Sedarati () and Joaquim Pinto Contreiras ()
Additional contact information
Thomas Panagopoulos: CinTurs-Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being, Postal: Research Center for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being (CinTurs), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal, https://www.cinturs.pt/site/index.php
Pooyan Sedarati: University of Algarve, Postal: University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal, https://www.ualg.pt/
Joaquim Pinto Contreiras: CinTurs-Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being, Postal: Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being (CinTurs), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal, https://www.cinturs.pt/site/index.php

Journal of Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being, 2024, vol. 12, issue 4, 372-384

Abstract: This article delves into the intricacies of Eurocity of Guadiana (EuroGuadiana) cross-border initiative that seeks to bolster economic value through innovative tourism products. It delineates a comprehensive plan aimed at turning EuroGuadiana into a center of cultural and economic vibrancy within Andalusia/Algarve, thus overturning its current peripheral status, using a rich body of literature on regional development and tourism strategies. The key to this strategy is a meticulous tourism diagnosis, facilitated by a value chain tool that identifies existing resources and their potential for complementarity and cooperation, aligning strategic decisions with the factors that increase potential tourists’ perceptions. Participatory methods and transborder community development are key components of the strategy. The former encourages inclusivity and collaboration, integrating diverse stakeholder insights into the de cision-making process, thereby fostering a strategy that is both grounded and adaptive to the evolving preferences of tourists. The latter leverages the region’s unique cross-border position to build cultural cohesion and economic synergy, promoting collaborative efforts in conservation and sustainable practices. Envisioned as a beacon of sus tainable and inclusive development, EuroGuadiana aspires to emerge as a destination characterized by diversity, prosperity, and vibrancy. Furthermore, it aims to establish a collaborative platform that bridges cities within the region, fostering a network that is conducive to shared growth and innovation. With this multi-faceted approach, EuroGuadiana is being repositioned as a dynamic and harmonious hub of regional development

Keywords: Stakeholder Approach; Qualitative Study; Tourism Strategy; Cross-Border (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: R58 Z32 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.cieo.pt/journal/J_4_2024/article5.pdf Full text (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ris:jspord:1106

Access Statistics for this article

Journal of Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being is currently edited by Patrícia Pinto

More articles in Journal of Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being from Cinturs - Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being, University of Algarve University of Algarve, Faculty of Economics, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal, Coordinator of the Centre: Prof. Patrícia Pinto, E-mail: pvalle@ualg.pt. Contact information at EDIRC.
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Silvia Fernandes ().